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Archives for May 2018

Kids Bowl Free is back around Tacoma and the rest of the South Sound for the Summer of 2018.

If you’re looking for free or cheap summer fun with the kids, don’t miss this one!

This year, you don’t have to wait until school is out to sign up for Kids Bowl Free! In fact, we checked all the Tacoma and South Sound area Kids Bowl Free locations, and all of them are open for sign up now! Yep, you can start free bowling this week and bowl almost all summer long. Woot!

If you’re not familiar with this program, it’s way cool! Kids get TWO free games of bowling every day, all summer long, from Burien to Olympia! * You will have to pay the nominal shoe rental fee, but that’s usually just a couple bucks! Another option is to buy them some shoes if you plan on going every day.

There really is no catch to this program! When you register your kiddos, you’ll also be given the option to purchase a family pass for about $25. If you’d like to bowl along with the kids, this really is an excellent deal, but you’re in no way obligated to get the family pass in order for your kids to bowl for free. Just click the “No Thanks” button if you don’t want it.

How To Sign Up:

Pro tip: If the kids are throwing all gutter balls, have the attendant put up the bumpers/rails!

We know lots of you do this program every summer. Be sure to pass it on to friends who might not know about it yet. We’d also love to read any tips you might have, and we’d love to hear about which alleys are your favorites.

South Sound Family Events Memorial Day Weekend

Need something to do with the kids around Tacoma, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, or your part of the South Sound? We’ve found fun and free things to do with the kids all around the 253 this Memorial Day weekend. We’ve also linked to a short round up of Memorial Day events and observances at the bottom of this post.

Learn how earthworms decompose garbage and waste with Pierce County Environmental Educators. Bring seeds to share or pick up a few favorites with Parkland Seed Traders and make a fun spring craft with Eat Local Pierce County. All ages; children under 6 should bring a favorite grown up

We’re turning down the lights and up the FUN! Kids love this event with FREE glow bracelets for each child. We will be watching the newly released, Peter Rabbit! Kids over 48″ inches may join for free to watch the movie; they just can’t play on the equipment. Movie is included with your all day, come and go admission! 6-8PM

Cinderella’s fairy godmother and glass slippers may seem ideal, but you will fall in love with our Edna whose trip to the palace means a bus ride, comfortable loafers, and a very different happily ever after. 7PM tonight; 2PM Saturday and Sunday Buy Tickets

Saturday

All Over

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores 2.00/child for ages 3-8. Sessions are 30 minutes. It’s flamingo themed crafts today. There is also a slightly different version at the same time for ages 6+ for 5.00. And from 1-3 there is a Make-Break activity; that one is, “Celebration slime.”

Storytime at Barnes and Noble stores Most area stores do a free, weekly storytime at 11AM; however, we do suggest calling yours to confirm first, as we have found participation to be inconsistent. It’s an Elephant and Piggie event at most stores.

South King County

Backyard Birding Class at Shadow Lake Bog in Renton. Join the Audubon Society, Audubon Washington for a Backyard Bird Identification class the last Saturday in May. We will be listening and looking for birds around the Preserve with the help of an expert birder. Come with weather appropriate clothes and shoes for moderate levels of walking – inclines or uneven ground may be encountered on this walk. Bringing binoculars and coffee is encouraged! Not specifically a kids’ event, but it is listed as kid friendly and should be fun for a child old enough to be interested and do the walking.

Puyallup/South Hill/Sumner/Greater Pierce

Share a book with a furry friend while improving your reading skills. Drop in!

Solo: A Star Wars Story screening. It’s a private screening, and Sounds Fun Mom readers are invited! 15.00 tickets include raffle tickets. Proceeds benefit charity. Costumed characters will be on hand, and it’s sure to be a fun time. 6:30-9

Yes, the sprayground by the library should be on! Expect a crowd for the farmer’s market, too.

Watch international sand sculptor Sue McGrew and her team create a mammoth ocean scene made of sand on the Zoo’s main hub. See the professional sand sculptors work on Baja Beach daily from 9:30 am-12 pm & 1 pm-5 pm now through June 3.

Kids can play, shovel, and sculpt to their hearts’ delight in our special Beach Zone, complete with sand, shovels, buckets and more. Included with admission. The zoo does get spendy. SFM recommends investing in an annual pass unless you can take advantage of free days for City of Tacoma residents.

Olympia area

Cinderella’s fairy godmother and glass slippers may seem ideal, but you will fall in love with our Edna whose trip to the palace means a bus ride, comfortable loafers, and a very different happily ever after. 2PM Saturday and Sunday Buy Tickets

Watch international sand sculptor Sue McGrew and her team create a mammoth ocean scene made of sand on the Zoo’s main hub. See the professional sand sculptors work on Baja Beach daily from 9:30 am-12 pm & 1 pm-5 pm now through June 3.

Kids can play, shovel, and sculpt to their hearts’ delight in our special Beach Zone, complete with sand, shovels, buckets and more. Included with admission. The zoo does get spendy. SFM recommends investing in an annual pass unless you can take advantage of free days of City of Tacoma residents.

Olympia

Cinderella’s fairy godmother and glass slippers may seem ideal, but you will fall in love with our Edna whose trip to the palace means a bus ride, comfortable loafers, and a very different happily ever after. 7PM tonight; 2PM Saturday and Sunday Buy Tickets

The Seattle Mariners have officially partnered with GrandSlamCamps to provide baseball and fastpitch softball camps for kids around the Puget Sound.

Now officially called Mariners Grand Slam Camps, these are not your ordinary baseball camps. If you’re used to camps that offer drills and a few games, you will be pleasantly surprised by the true, Seattle Mariners experience your child will get to enjoy with Mariners Grand Slam Camps.

Camp is about building skills but also teaching a true love of the game. Kids will enjoy a week of surprises, top-flight instruction, and lots of old-fashioned fun, whether they’re beginners or all-stars.

Our older son did camp with the original Grand Slam several years ago, and he had a great time. I was very impressed with the skill level of the staff and how they made sure that every child was learning and feeling excited about baseball. It was his very first experience with baseball, and I was amazed at how much he learned and so pleased with how positive he felt after every session.

There are three camps offerings with convenient locations around the South Sound.

The Complete Camp runs from 9:00 AM-12:30 PM from Monday through Thursday. Instructional sessions are held at the top of each hour with a general focus on situational game play and instruction about a variety of different skills of the game. Each field has two coaches – typically current college players – who are constantly teaching the finer points to players as the games are played. This is where the real learning occurs.

The Skills Camp runs from 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM Monday through Thursday and is instructionally based. All receive hitting instruction, but also select a defensive position of emphasis; pitcher, catcher or infield.

The Camp Bundle offers Complete + Skills Camps at a discount plus one-hour of lunch supervision at no added cost. It runs from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. In most locations, a separate fastpitch softball camp is offered as well as baseball.

Each camp is lead and coordinated by certified teachers who have deep knowledge of the game so parents can count on a safe, upbeat, and professional environment. Add in many surprises and the constant influence of the Seattle Mariners, and you have a camp like no other. To top it all off, all campers are invited to an additional camp session in August at Safeco Field. This is part of the camp experience and is included at no additional cost. Note from SFM: These are very well priced camps already!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. The folks at Mariners Grand Slam Camps were some of this site’s earliest sponsors. We’d love for you to mention Sounds Fun Mom when you register if you have a chance. Thanks for doing that!

We’re so please to have our friends at Freedom Martial Arts back as sponsors this month. They have a new after school program for kids, plus great summer camps, and a self-defense program for women and teens.

A.C.E. Takewondo After School Program in Edgewood

I think you’ll be especially interested in their A.C.E. after school program if you’ve been looking for a positive, structured activity for your kids after school.

ACE is not a daycare program, but an active recreation program that also helps kids develop individual character in a positive, encouraging and supportive environment. There are individual activities as well as group times.

The program provides after school transport service from local elementary schools and includes time for homework, recreation, and active play. Plus, the A.C.E. staff will love your kids, and your kids will love A.C.E.!

All of this is offered for a very affordable rate that includes the Takewondo and the uniform. There is also a 20% discount for members of the military or those employed with police and fire departments.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. If you check out the A.C.E. program or one of Freedom Martial Arts great camps or self defense classes, I do hope you’ll mention you saw them on Sounds Fun Mom. This site exists because of our local sponsors!

It’s a great weekend if you’re looking for fun things to do with your family around here. There are dozens of don’t miss events, including many that are FREE. The only hard part will be choosing! Read on to get started!

Saturday

All Over

Kids’ Club at Michael’s Stores 2.00/child for ages 3-8. Sessions are 30 minutes. It’s pineapple themed crafts today. There is also a slightly different version at the same time for ages 6+ for 5.00. And from 1-3 there is a Make-Break activity; this one is a splatter canvas. Supplies for that are free when you purchase the canvas.

Storytime at Barnes and Noble stores Most area stores do a free, weekly storytime at 11AM; however, we do suggest calling yours to confirm first, as we have found participation to be inconsistent. It’s a special Fancy Nancy event in honor of the royal wedding.

South King County

Stpp by the Auburn Valley YMCA Aquatics Center from 12:30 – 4:00 pm to learn about boat and lifejacket safety for National Wear It Day. Lifejackets will be available for all participants. Following the event, we’ll have a family movie sing-a-long from 4:00 – 6:00 pm, with Moana making an appearance. Registration is required. Note from SFM: There is a non member ticket, so I believe this is open to the public, but you may want to double check.

FREE and Open to the Public! Experience the world-renowned blue poppy meadow, shop at an art market featuring local craftspeople, and enjoy a day of performances! Visit RhodyGarden.org for more information about our 22-acre garden. Note from SFM: You may have to pay regular garden admission. While not super exciting for kids, it’s a nice stroll for them and lovely this time of year. Good outing with grandma!

A free, fun, family event to get up close and personal with the vehicles and equipment that build, serve and protect our community with pride. This event will put your child’s imagination in hear as they honk, toot and climb aboard their favorite vehicles. RAIN OR SHINE!

Located at the former Target parking lot, next to the future Performing Arts & Events Center. Event is from 11am-2pm, no horns 11am-Noon no horns for sensory-sensitive children. Note from SFM: Readers love this one!

PETPALOOZA is a FREE event for pet lovers and a special day for your four-legged family member or other furry friend. Petpalooza is kicked off with a Dog Trot 3K/5K Fun Run. The event features an animal-related entertainment stage, flydog and agility demos, pony rides, Mud Bay’s Northwest Pet Contest, an agility area, over 150 vendor booths, adoptions, low-cost animal services, giveaways and lots of activities to keep both humans and pets entertained.

Puyallup/Orting/South Hill/ Greater Pierce

Kids’ Fishing Derby at Bradley Lake Park Sponsored by the Tacoma Sportsmen’s Club and open to the public; free event for kids 14 and under with poles and bait provided. 7AM-12; I think I’d go on the earlier side.

The three-mile section of the Foothills Trail between Buckley and South Prairie was recently completed; a ribbon-cutting ceremony will celebrate this connection on Saturday, May 19th.

If you would like to join Puyallup Mayor John Palmer and the Tacoma Washington Bicycle Club to ride out to the ribbon-cutting, meet at the East Puyallup trailhead (13810 80th Street) at 9 am on the 19th. The ride out to South Prairie and back will measure approximately 30 miles round trip. Note from SFM: If this event isn’t your speed, do put a section of this trail on your list if you like stroller or bike friendly trails. It’s a great choice!

Tacoma

Happy Market Day Join us at The Traveling Happy Market for food, friends and kid-friendly fun! We will feature activities like face painting, business card crafting and more! Anthem coffee by the UW Tacoma

A merry mood permeates the Fort on this occasion. At noon, bagpipes announce the start of the traditional tributes to the queen. The pipes are followed by a musket volley, toasts to the queen, and a cannon salute. Many of the Fort’s ladies and gentlemen will be dressed in their finest, 1850s fashion. Throughout the day, guests can visit with our historical interpreters, join in a game of croquet, and enjoy performances. Refreshments while supplies last. Event admission is $8-$10, children 3 and younger are free. For more information visit fortnisqually.org or call (253) 404-3970.

Bring your family to explore the beach, learn about tide pool life and have lots of fun during some of the lowest tides of the year. A naturalist will guide low-tide beach exploration. Free! 1-4 today at Titlow Beach.

Free family flick at the Grand The third Saturday of each month, The Grand Cinema welcomes guests of all ages to a family-friendly movie for free! Doors open at 9:30 a.m. and movies start at 10:00 a.m. Seating is first-come, first-served. All children under age 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Special thanks to our partners at Columbia Bank for helping us present these films free to all! It’s The Last Unicorn today.

Meet the Park Ranger at the Rhododendron Garden Pavilion for an exploration of the plants and animals in the special old-growth forest of Point Defiance Park. Not suitable for strollers; perfect for ages 3 and up.

Build an EV3 vehicle/robot and program it to move.Please come on time, if instruction needed. Ages: 6 – 14 (Manufacturer recommended age 10 and up)Required: Helping adult and pre-registered child-lots of spots open as of this writing.

Lacey/Olympia/Dupont

Experience the Armed Forces Day at JBLM-McChord Field Saturday, May 19 at Heritage Hill. While a Volksmarch begins at 9 a.m., the rest of the festivities begin at 10. Explore military static displays and on-board vehicle visits, living history displays, carnival rides, bounce houses, petting zoo, a climbing wall and roving entertainers. Plus, enjoy your favorite fair foods and check out vendor booths. This is open to the public and a great event, but do be sure to read in advance about how to get on base and other rules. For more information, visit JBLMArmedForcesDay.com.

Join staff from the Outdoor Adventure and Park Stewardship program for this fun day at West Bay Park. Start the morning by helping remove invasive plants from the park and then learn the basics of kayaking on Budd Inlet. Don’t miss this event! All necessary equipment provided Registration required for kayaking portion. Note from SFM: I think there is a minimum age for this event. Double check when you sign up.

Its that time again! Come join us for another great consignment sale. If you are looking for anything related to children (clothes, equipment, toys, maternity items, ect.) then come shop and sale and save some money while supporting local families.

Opening night-7PM! Cinderella’s fairy godmother and glass slippers may seem ideal, but you will fall in love with our Edna whose trip to the palace means a bus ride, comfortable loafers, and a very different happily ever after. 7PM tonight; 2PM Saturday and Sunday Buy Tickets

Gig Harbor

STEM event best for elementary and middle schoolers. Ages 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

The Gig Harbor Boat Shop has a variety of musical acts and entertainment this weekend. Likely most of interest to kids are entertainer Jim Valley today and storytelling tomorrow. Complete schedule and info. here.

Celebrating Armed Forces Day with a Patriotic Concert to benefit the Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation. Family friendly event. For more information about the Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation, please visit www.PTSDfoundation.org Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

Any weekend fun: Your Michael’s does do the crafts (see All Over above). Visit the Harbor History Museum (it’s free!); walk your downtown; see what’s going on at Discovery Village, or visit one of your great parks or trails. If you know something I missed, do let me know!

Buy, Sell, Trade and Market. Birds, cages, seeds, small animals, supplies, parrots and so much more! 10AM-3PM 10.00; children 5-10 are 5.00; cash only at the gate

Puyallup Pet Adoption Event at the Sunrise Village PetSmart Over 100 pets with 10 agencies available for adoption – puppies, kittens, dogs & cats. Trainers, shelter staff and volunteers on site to answers questions

Tacoma/Gig Harbor

We’re bringing back February’s History After Hours: Press PLAY event for our younger visitors and those who missed it the first time! Explore TOYTOPIA and play all the best games from decades past, including Oregon Trail (Yes, the original one)! Make your own Pet Rock and more

Unleash your inner child, have fun, get creative and paint! Have fun learning the art of space galaxy and nebula painting with Dazed and Reused studio! $20 per adult
$15 for children under 13 Your ticket includes all supplies and instruction from our fabulous Dazed and Reused artists, Plus one free delicious hot cocoa, STRONG BREW coffee, tea, or soft drink from our little coffee bar. All ages; kids under 17 need to bring a participating grown up.

What would it have been like if you worked on your Dad’s fishing boat 100 years ago? Where would you fish? How long would you be gone? What would you eat? Where would you sleep? What would you do when you weren’t fishing? What would the boat be like? Families with children ages five and older will enjoy a maritime-themed multimedia event about early commercial fishing and the Gig Harbor families who pioneered the industry. Bring your questions! 1 PM Sunday, May 20th Children ages 5 and up No charge! You are asked to call to register.

Opening night-7PM! Cinderella’s fairy godmother and glass slippers may seem ideal, but you will fall in love with our Edna whose trip to the palace means a bus ride, comfortable loafers, and a very different happily ever after. 7PM tonight; 2PM Saturday and Sunday Buy Tickets

Art Day Camp In Puyallup

Are you looking for a great art day camp near Puyallup? If your kids love art, you have to check out the amazing art camps from Fred’s Creative Kids at the Fred Oldfield Center at the fairgrounds. This is an undiscovered treasure you need to know about. It’s right inside the red gate at the fairgrounds, and they offer low cost art classes for all ages taught by real artists all year. Their camps are super fun and have a different theme for every weekly session!

And today we’re giving away a week of camp!!! Woot!! How crazy awesome is this?? My older son did camps here and absolutely loved them. Here is a little more scoop, but make sure not to miss the giveaway at the bottom! PS Even if you don’t win, I’d think about signing up for at least one. Their camps are a seriously good deal!

For a third, optional entry, share this contest! Come back and leave a comment telling us what you did!

All entries should be left as comments on this post. Leave them as separate comments to improve your odds. Please make sure you leave an email you check, so you don’t miss out if you are the lucky winner.

Legal stuff/Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I would LOVE for you to mention Sounds Fun Mom when you check out classes or camps at Fred’s Creative Kids. By entering this giveaway you affirm your eligibility and assume all responsibility. Facebook is not in any way involved in or responsible for this contest. Good luck!

You’re invited to a private screening of Solo: A Star Wars Story in Puyallup May 26th. Tickets still available!

Come with us to a very special screening of Solo: A Star Wars Story right in Puyallup.

There will be Stormtroopers and Siths in the audience. If you or someone you know is a Star Wars fan, you do not want to miss this! Plus, all proceeds will go directly to Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital.

Your event ticket includes raffle tickets with a chance to win some great items. It does not include concessions, which will be available for purchase if you want them. Costumes are welcome, but masks should be easy to remove, and weapons may be peace bonded at the door. Lightsabers are fun, but not in a dark movie theater!

Date:

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Times:

Screening begins at: 7:00 PM

Seating begins immediately at: 6:30 PM

Introductions and Opening remarks begin at 6:45 PM

Price:

All Tickets – $15.00
includes one movie admission ticket and 5 raffle tickets for prizes.

I’ll be there, too! I have no idea if that’s interesting to you, but do find me and say, “Hi!”

The screening is brought to you by the folks behind the huge, immensely expanded Toy and Geek Festival, which is going to be the don’t miss event of the summer for comic book, sci-fi, and superhero fans.

Would you like to gets some sweet, spring pics of the kids without spending a fortune?

The very talented Lora Parks of Parks Photography is offering some mini sessions to jump on!

Lora is based on Tacoma, but shoots at outdoor locations around the South Sound. Photos will be taken at a fun, mutually agreed upon spot around here-check out this recent farm cuteness for an example of her work.

Mini sessions are just 50.00. Woot!! She currently has slots open on May 21st and 28th.

Metro Parks Tacoma has announced an early opening for some of their splash pads. You can visit the spray grounds at Franklin Park, Jefferson Park, and the STAR center today, May 14th, until 8PM, or tomorrow, Tuesday, May 15th, from 10AM-8PM. They are all free! After Tuesday, they will be open on weekends only through May 26th, when they will start having daily open times. If they have any other early open days I will let you know!

You should also find the spray grounds on at Point Ruston and Pioneer Park/Downtown Puyallup.

The stream by the Hands On Children’s Museum at the East Bay Plaza in Olympia is also on, as is the fountain in Olympia. I *think* the water features in Kent may be on, but I have not had a chance to check on those yet. Let me know if you know about any others that are on already!

Other area spray grounds and splash pads typically open Memorial Day. We will have a whole guide to all of them right here!

Free Summer Bingo Board!

I made this back when bucket lists were all the rage. Each square has a fun thing you can do with the kids this summer. Most are local, and all are affordable. One does mention the Kids Skate Free program, which doesn’t seem to be a, “Thing,” around here any more. There are still lots of places the kids can bowl free, though!

I went with a Bingo Board instead of a bucket list because I think it’s less pressure. You can, “Win,” by just doing five! Or any number you want, really!

If you’d like the bingo board, you can just click the link below to download the pdf. If another format would work better, send me an email, and I’ll see what I can do! Note that there are two versions of this board that are just slightly different. If you’d like one for a different area, let me know, and I’ll put it on my (kind of long) to-do list.